Publishers Weekly
07/06/2015
Schmatz (Bluefish) explores gender and identity in this dreamlike coming-of-age story, set in a future society where one’s gender is identified and reinforced as early as possible. Fifteen-year-old Kivali is one of the rare “benders,” those who score right in the middle and who could go either way; she refuses to choose and is thus marked as noncompliant. She’s sent to CropCamp, an agricultural labor institution for teens being prepped for adulthood, where she makes new friends and develops a crush on the beautiful Sully, whose capricious charms spark something deep within. But as the camp director pressures Kivali to pick a gender, a role, and a direction, Kivali continues to resist, certain that something weird is going on at CropCamp. Schmatz conjures up sympathetic characters and an intriguing premise, but her jargon-heavy world can be difficult to get into, and some explanations never present themselves. While the story’s stylistic quirks may alienate some readers, it’s still a thoughtful and intriguing look at the teenage search for identity. Ages 14–up. Agent: David Bennett, Transatlantic Literary Agency. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
The themes in Schmatz’s novel surpass in complexity many of its contenders in YA dystopian fiction. The author’s storytelling unravels question upon question for readers, not only about Kavali but also about the power of free will. An entertaining and thought-provoking read, this title will be a big hit for those who want a little something more from their dystopian fiction.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
Sophisticated, character-driven science fiction, as notable for its genderqueer protagonist as for its intricate, suspenseful plot.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Schmatz conjures up sympathetic characters and an intriguing premise...a thoughtful and intriguing look at the teenage search for identity.
—Publishers Weekly
Schmatz paints a beautiful story with the use of amazingly diverse and well-developed characters. Kivali’s struggle to find where she belongs is highly relatable to a variety of readers, especially those who struggle with their own gender identity as Kivali does...Any person who has trouble fitting in will greatly enjoy this book.
—VOYA
In a sea of post-apocalyptic and dystopian young adult novels with female heroes, Lizard Radio stands out. Unusual, mildly magical, and well paced, Kivali’s quest to dismantle the system manages to be unique yet relatable. The distinct dystopian world, the genderbending protagonist, and the socially conscious writing provoke questions about Kivali’s (and the reader’s) reality.
—The Horn Book
...there are rewarding revelations rooted in character development.
—Booklist
Lizard as a character is endearing from the start, relying on a pretend Saurian identity to push the idea that she doesn’t fit...Sci-fi buffs who love character-driven novels and teens on the GLBTQ spectrum who are looking for a book that isn’t realistic fiction will all find much to appreciate in this clever, edgy novel.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
This work of science fiction addresses complex issues and deep questions, and would be an outstanding addition for all library collections.
—School Library Connection
School Library Journal - Audio
04/01/2016
Gr 8 Up—Whenever 15-year-old Kivali needs a mental break from her CropCamp duties, she tunes into Lizard Radio, a station that exists only in her head. Kivali lives in a not-too-distant future where gender and emotions are strictly monitored by the government. Adolescents who don't test either male or female are given the choice of gender, but must conform to societal gender norms. Testing right at mid-range, Kivali prefers her female gender but does not want to adhere to heteronormative expectations. As she learns to be a farmer and starts to develop feelings for Sully, she longs to keep her individuality without risking additional government involvement in her life. Some of the jargon may be confusing, and listeners may need to revisit the meanings of the made-up words. While narrator Bahni Turpin does a delightful job conveying Kivali's struggles and achievements at CropCamp, listeners can be left in the dark at times during some of the action sequences. VERDICT Listeners looking for a good dystopian novel will not be disappointed but should be prepared for more self-discovery than government conspiracy. ["An entertaining and thought-provoking read, this title will be a big hit for those who want something deeper from their dystopian fiction": SLJ 7/15 starred review of the Candlewick book.]—Amanda Schiavulli, Finger Lakes Library System, NY
School Library Journal
★ 07/01/2015
Gr 8 Up—All great heroes begin with mythical origins. Fifteen-year-old Kavali is no exception. When she was a baby, she was abandoned on a sidewalk, swaddled in a T-shirt with a lizard printed on the front. Since then, she has questioned her true identity. Is she a boy or a girl? A lizard or a human? This work is set in the not-too-distant future, in which the government closely monitors gender, occupation, and emotion. When Kavali is thrown into CropCamp, a camp where teenagers learn how to grow organic crops as initiation into adulthood, she begins to question whether she should forfeit her individuality to become a cooperative part of society. Ultimately, Kavali rises above the challenges, discovers her true origins, and makes her own destiny. The themes in Schmatz's novel surpass in complexity many of its contenders in YA dystopian fiction. The author's storytelling unravels question upon question for readers, not only about Kavali but also about the power of free will. VERDICT An entertaining and thought-provoking read, this title will be a big hit for those who want something deeper from their dystopian fiction.—Jaclyn Anderson, Madison County Library System, MS
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2015-05-18
In a dystopian future, Kivali Kerwin, nicknamed Lizard, is sent to prepare for adulthood at a government-run CropCamp. Lizard's adoptive family has always resisted authority, but attending camp as a teen makes it easier to avoid being sent to the prisonlike Blight as an adult. As a midrange bender—roughly equivalent, in today's terms, to having a nonbinary gender—Lizard is at risk of being sent to Blight. At camp, Lizard unexpectedly forms deep connections to other campers. At the same time, Lizard increasingly suspects something sinister behind the camp's strong community spirit and the seemingly kind mentorship of director Ms. Mischetti. The world here is revealed gradually. The poetic, evocative prose is littered with unfamiliar neologisms—"skizzer," "Mealio," "vape"—with the expectation that readers will either pick up their meanings from context or be willing to wonder. Some words prove more useful than contemporary vocabulary: when Lizard develops a crush on a female camper, the word "jazz"—denoting everything from flirtation to sexual acts—provides a simple but startlingly effective way to talk about sexuality and attraction. Mischetti's warm leadership and disarming tendency to acknowledge disturbing rumors make her a dangerous enemy and mean Lizard's mission is more complicated than simply uncovering the truth. Sophisticated, character-driven science fiction, as notable for its genderqueer protagonist as for its intricate, suspenseful plot. (Science fiction. 14-18)
